Feature Article - June 2005
   

Essential Elements of a Positive Work Environment

by Sheila Grosdidier, BS, RVT
VMC, Inc. Evergreen, CO 80439

Positive, productive and effective workplaces don't just happen; they are formed with care, commitment, concentration and creativity. Most importantly, they require that an environment of respect be established at the practice. As a leader, you are critical in providing support and direction in achieving the positive work environment. The process starts with agreeing together as a team on the basic guidelines to work by. These guidelines are intended to draw the team together and ensure their success and productivity. Among the guidelines you might consider are:

  • Listen generously and speak honestly, demonstrate that you believe that listening is important before speaking.
  • Treat everyone fairly and consistently.
  • Provide fair competitive, compensation.
  • Keep commitments. Do what you say you will do.
  • Treat people with professional respect.
  • Develop an individual management style. The manager sets the tone.
  • Acknowledge and appreciate one another for the strengths that each person brings to the team.
  • Model the values and purpose of the practice. Assist each team member see the contribution that make to the practice, to the client, to one another and to the pet.
  • Expect only the best from team members and let them know your expectation.
  • Under promise and over deliver.
  • Provide strong, positive leadership and direction.
  • Provide immediate feedback and positive reinforcement. Make the complements in public and the criticisms in private.
  • Work with the team, not through them.
  • Team members need to feel important to the practice. Involve them in decisions that affect them.
  • Trust is the bond that holds leaders and follows as a team. Build that trust everyday through consistency and communication.
  • It is better to be accused of over communicating than being misunderstood.

Employees are the foundation of every company and have the greatest impact on its success. For an organization to flourish, morale and motivation must be high. Staff members who look forward to each workday are more productive, creative and passionate than those who do not. It makes sense, it doesn't need to cost much and it can save so much.